The case of a former Shepparton man charged with the manslaughter of his partner has hit an unusual snag in court.
Adam Winmar, 29, has been charged with manslaughter and possessing a firearm while a prohibited person, after the death of his partner Kiara Ferguson at their Shepparton home last year.
Mr Winmar, who now lives in Collingwood, had previously only been facing court charged with being a prohibited person possessing a firearm, but police laid the manslaughter charge in February — 10 months after Ms Ferguson’s death.
Ms Ferguson died from a gunshot wound at their McCubbin Dve home on April 1, 2023.
On Tuesday, May 28, Mr Winmar faced Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in what his lawyer indicated was to have the matter committed to a higher court for Mr Winmar to stand trial.
However, when magistrate Amina Bhai questioned Mr Winmar about whether he understood what electing to have the matter go straight to a higher court without any other hearing first would mean, and the consequences of that decision, she was not satisfied that he did fully understand.
Mr Winmar’s defence counsel told the court he had confirmed Mr Winmar’s intentions and what he wished to do with the case that morning.
However, Ms Bhai remained unsatisfied with Mr Winmar’s answers in court.
“Your client needs to understand the nature and consequences of his election, and the court needs to be confident of that,” Ms Bhai said.
Instead, Ms Bhai adjourned the matter for another appearance in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in late June.